Injured Rafael Nadal who has been forced to withdraw from the US Open with a wrist injury could be out of action until November, it has been revealed.

Big Blow for the US Open

It could be the ATP World Tour finals at the O2 Arena in London before he is fit enough to return to the courts. Nadal’s withdrawal is a big blow for next week’s big New York championship and it absence should be a boost to Andy Murray whose seeding will drop one place to No.8, improving his chances of getting a favourable draw.

Nadal was due to wear a sleeveless top for the first time in six years. His new kit would have recalled the days when his distinctive look – all muscle vests and pirate pants – set off scores of imitators on tennis courts around the world. Manufacturers Nike will be disappointed.

But the player is more interested about getting his wrist sorted. The injury has forced him to abandon the defence of a grand slam title for the second time in his career. He missed Wimbledon in 2009. Insiders suggest he does not need surgery and believe he could be ready again to meet the demands of the season’s closing stages, culminating with that tournament in London.

Announcing his decision not to play in New York, Nadal said: “It is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches and so many things. There is not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation. As always in my case, I work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back.”

With Nadal out, Novak Djokovic is the hot favourite at 6/5. He has reached the Final here for the last 4 years, winning one title in 2011. In form Roger Federer, coming off a win at Cincinnati is second favourite at 3/1. He has 5 US Open Titles to his name but the last one came in 2008. British No1 Andy Murray is next at 7/2. He won the Title back in 2012 and will be keen to add another Slam to his name.